Orthodontics is the helpful branch of dentistry that corrects improperly positioned teeth and jaws. When your teeth are crooked or do not fit together correctly, they become harder to clean and put you at a greater risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease. Teeth placement can also cause more stress on chewing muscles, leading to headaches, TMJ syndrome, and neck and shoulder pain. Imperfect smiles can also hurt your self-confidence significantly. So how do you know when you may need orthodontics? There are a few conditions that will lead your dentist to recommend orthodontic treatment for your teeth.